Lately clients have said, “I’m waiting for a reply email on our project but I see he’s posted an article just now on Linked In.” Or, “She couldn’t attend the Cerebral Palsy Dinner but someone told me she was pictured at a dinner party on that same evening.”

One friend said, “I sent my sister-in-law a text about the anniversary of the loss of her husband, and that’s my brother, and she never responded. Then I saw that she ‘liked’ other people’s postings on Facebook.”

What’s the biggest screw-up you can do on social media?

Getting BUSTED.

In the past you might be able to opt for a personal dinner engagement over a benefit dinner event without explaining your choice. Or be a bit late to send a document down the line while posting an article to social media.

You can’t do that anymore. The public eye never sleeps.

Three tips to avoid the “I’m Busted Screw-up”:

1. Be aware and ask for no social media up front when you want privacy.
2. Understand the nature of social media revelations – everyone can see what you are doing and WHEN.
3. Use social media to your advantage. Be seen and heard when you want to – but understand the unintended outcomes.

Karen Cortell Reisman, M.S., author of 3 books and President of Speak For Yourself®, works with organizations on how to communicate to make more money. It’s all in how you speak for yourself. Read more at www.SpeakForYourself.com/blog/